River cruises in France
Last updated on 30 April 2025
Why choose a river cruise in France?
Opting for a river cruise in France will allow you to discover the beauty of the French landscapes and its regions from the water. Sail freely on the French canals to discover the country from a unique angle and explore gems such as the Canal du Midi, Brittany, etc. Each stopover reveals local traditions, exceptional heritage and emblematic culinary flavors.
What boats are available for charter in France?
We offer a wide range of riverboats in the different regions of France. River boats and barges are specially designed for the canals, and vary in size and capacity, ranging from boats for a couple to those designed to accommodate several families or groups of friends. We work with many boat builders offering river cruises in France, such as Le Boat, Locaboat, Nicols and Canalous.
How much does a river cruise in France cost?
The table below gives you an idea of the average prices for a river cruise in France, for a period of one week. Note that these prices are a dead reckoning and may vary depending on several factors (season, model and size of the boat).
| Size of the river boat | High season July and August | Mid-season June and September | Low season April and October |
|---|---|---|---|
2 cabins | 2,000 USD | 1,500 USD | 1,000 USD |
3 cabins | 3,000 USD | 2,000 USD | 1,500 USD |
4 cabins | 3 500 USD | 3,000 USD | 2,000 USD |
- The price includes: the yacht charter and the main equipment on the side of the boat (crockery, Wi-Fi, bedding).
- The price does not include: insurance, mooring fees, cleaning, extras (bicycles, etc.) and provisions taken on board.
Where can you sail in France on a river cruise?
France, with its diverse waterways, offers magnificent stopovers in each region. Here are a few must-sees for river cruises:
- Canal du Midi: Sail through the south of France, discovering Mediterranean landscapes, picturesque villages and renowned vineyards. It is the cradle of historic cities such as Carcassonne and typical culinary delights.
- Brittany: Embark on a voyage along the water through Celtic folklore and traditions. From wild landscapes to historic cities like Rennes, Brittany is a region full of character.
- Burgundy: Immerse yourself in the heart of the famous Burgundy vineyards. Burgundy offers not only tastings of renowned wines, but also a rich heritage with its castles, abbeys and its art of living.
- Charente: Discover this region where cognac reigns supreme. The Charente, with its rolling hills and historic distilleries, offers a relaxing and enriching experience, perfect for a peaceful cruise.
- Aquitaine: Between the Gironde and the Dordogne, this region offers a variety of panoramas, from the vineyards of Bordeaux to the forests of the Landes. A getaway rich in discoveries and flavors.
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When is the best time to take a river cruise in France?
France, with its diverse regional climates, offers unique river experiences throughout the year. For most regions, the period from May to September is the most pleasant for a cruise, offering mild weather and lush green landscapes. Summer, particularly July and August, is popular with tourists, so expect more crowds. If you are looking for peace and quiet, May, June and September are the best months. In many regions, the canals close between November and March. It is therefore advisable to check the opening dates before planning your trip.
Useful information to know before your yacht charter in France
How do the locks work and how do you pass through them?
A river cruise in France involves passing through numerous locks, which are mechanisms that allow the canal to manage the differences in level. When approaching a lock, reduce your speed and follow the instructions of the lock keeper, if present. Otherwise, follow the posted instructions. Moor your boat inside the lock and let it rise or fall with the water level. There may be charges associated with the use of locks, especially if they are managed by lock keepers.
What license is required for a yacht charter in France?
Anyone over the age of 18 can take out a river cruise. You don't need a license or any particular skills. You will be given a 30-minute training session at the departure base to enable you to take control of the boat very quickly.
Can I take a pet on board a river boat?
Riverboat rental companies allow pets (dogs, cats, rodents) on board, free of charge in some cases and for an average fixed fee of around 50 USD in others (80 USD at LeBoat). Make sure your pet can swim.
What are the important points to know about sailing when you have a river yacht charter in France?
Here are some of the main rules to follow:
- Speed limit: Speed is generally limited to 8 km/h or less, especially near ports, locks or when passing other vessels.
- Mooring: Make sure you only moor your boat in designated areas. Avoid obstructing access areas or areas reserved for other uses. In some areas, mooring at the edge of the canal is free of charge, while in others, particularly in ports or close to tourist sites, marinas or towns, charges may apply. It is always advisable to check the rates for the locations where you plan to stop in advance and to budget for these costs.
- Safety: alwaysmake sure you wear a life jacket, especially near locks or when maneuvering. A good knowledge of navigation signals is also essential.
- Priority: Upstreamboats (those going towards the source of the canal or river) generally have priority, especially when approaching locks.
- Insurance: We advise you to take out our cancellation insurance for your river cruise. It will cover all members of the crew, whereas individual cancellation insurance or insurance via your bank card will only cover the policyholder. We also encourage our customers to take out damage waiver insurance. On a boat, damage can happen to even the best sailors. This insurance will allow you to recover a significant portion of your deposit in the event of damage related to navigation.
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 1 190 |
|---|---|
| Average price per week | $2,436 |
| Minimum weekly price | $794 |
| Maximum price per week | $4,662 |